The Dark Lady is offspring of Mary Rose, a tough pink rose.

I've not grown The Dark Lady, so I can't compare them, but think that WS2000 is appropriate for a cold zone.

I have both of these roses and I consider them equally hardy, but remember I'm zone 5 which may make a difference for you. Both are tip hardy in my zone, so I can't imagine they wouldn't be at least root hardy for you, at least with protection. I read your other thread about the WS2000 dying, and I agree with folks that suspected your Minnesota Tip protection might have stressed that plant out. In general, I find Austins are happiest when left alone in the roots, and pruned like mad in the branches when they get too lanky for your tastes.

Between the two, WS2000 is vastly the more prolific bloomer than the Dark Lady, though I like the darker color of the latter better. Still, if you prefer WS2000 and it survived several winters already with you, there's no reason not to get another plant of that variety, just let it be and do surface protection instead if you're concerned about the canes over the winter. And yes, by all means, bury that graft deeply or go own root for protection.

Cynthia

Krista,
That is interesting. I have a few Mary roses and have given them zero winter protection, and they have been completely cane hardy here. Maybe if I wouldn't have tried to coddle WS2000 so much, it wouldn't have died. That is very upsetting. Well, live and learn I guess.

Hi Cynthia,
I've decided never to tip roses again. It's too much work and seems to cause too many problems in the long run.

I've never seen The Dark Lady in person, but from pic.s I've seen, I always thought it was lighter than WS2000. Surprising that it's darker.

Thank you again for your help,
Kitty

I'm also in MN and have 3 Dark Ladies for approximately 8 years. She is one of my favorites. DL dies back to the crown here but comes roaring back every season, even with some neglect. She is blooming now and will do so periodically until late fall when none of the other roses are blooming. I think she likes the cooler temps and tolerates the shorter days days in the fall with nice flushes. Blooms are large so they nod a bit, probably since they are on new canes every year. DL has a nice bushy form and make a decent low growing hedge. I love the bloom color. I often wanted to try out WS2000 but I hear it throws those arching canes and I already have a couple of Austins that do that which I'm not particularly found of. I don't do any winter protection except for the first year or two after planting.

Hi Rosie,
Nice to speak with a fellow Minnesotan. Where are you located. I'm just north of Elk River, so definitely zone 4a. I can't find TDL locally. Where did you get yours? WS did have one long strange cane that grew along the ground, but it broke off and that didn't happen again. The flowers are gorgeous, though. Which other Austins have worked for you?
Thanks,
Kitty

That daylily has been around for for about 20 years and has been divided and transplanted and I have forgotten the name. It blooms burgundy with a gold throat. Looks good next to WS 2000.